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Her smile undoes me. If I wasn’t a sucker for her before, I am now. In my long life I’d seen all kinds of “beautiful” things. Beautiful places, beautiful people, beautiful acts but never something so beautiful as Celine.

As the elevator goes up and we get closer to my surprise I begin to grow nervous all over again.

Turning to face the opposite direction, I hope to filter out some of her delicious scent while waiting for the elevator to climb. Of course it doesn’t work, and I let out a tense breath. Finding a sense of composure, I allow myself to face forward again.

I must’ve been so focused on myself that when I turn, I jolt at Celine being right next to me.

God how long was I standing in silence.

Her brow is slightly wrinkled at my behavior, and I give a small smile in an effort to ward her off.

The door chimes as it opens to our floor, and I let her walk ahead of me for our first date—herlastfirst date if I have anything to say about it.

CHAPTER 17

CELINE

Holy fuck.

Stepping out into the space of the deck I’m in awe at what I see. The main lights are shut off and the area is lit solely by the illumination from buildings outside and the hundreds of candles littered throughout the room. Rose petals are dispersed strategically through the flames. Soft music hums in the background. There’s a classic checkered picnic blanket and basket in the middle of the room and I can’t help but laugh. It’s such a simple touch on an over-the-top date of him renting out the whole place.

“Zavier, what the hell? How can you afford this?”

Who knew this goofball could be so romantic?

He must take my comment the wrong way because a frown starts to work itself onto his sweet face. He clears his throat. “I have family money. I work odd jobs to keep myself busy.”

I look around, still taking it all in. I’ve never had someone care enough about me to go to this much trouble. “I can’t believe you did all this.Howdid you do this? It’s extraordinary.”

He puffs out his chest under my praise. “Nothing is too much when it comes to you.”

“Thank you.” I hope my genuine appreciation translates. “Zav.” I throw it in at the end because I know he wants to hear it. The blush that stains his cheeks lets me know it has the intended effect.

“Have a seat.” Zavier waves toward the picnic set up and I kneel down. He settles across from me and pulls out different containers of prepared food.

As he goes about his task, I take a moment to appreciate the man across from me and slowly take him in. Crimson red hair gleams in the candlelight and the flickering flames dance in the lenses of his glasses. His black sweater perfectly frames his lean torso and his thin silver chain rests on his neck, begging me to grab it.

Long, lean fingers carefully set our plates up and I gulp at the veins standing in sharp contrast along the backs of his hands and forearms. There’s something sensual and downright sinful about them that has me tightening my thighs together. Once he has the food arranged, he scrutinizes the placement to make sure he’s satisfied and the way his gaze narrows is adorable.

“Zav?” His attention immediately hones in on me when I pull out the nickname once more “It’s perfect. Don’t stress yourself out about the plates.”

“It needs one last finishing touch and then it’ll be perfect.” Digging into the basket once more he pulls out a bottle of champagne. “Some bubbly?”

Turning my head to the side I can’t help but look away from the blinding cuteness he radiates. His determination to please me is adorable, so I play along.

“Yes, please.”

Zavier pulls out two glass flutes and fills them with champagne. He’s careful not to let the froth overflow and fills it as close to the top as possible.

“Trying to get me drunk?” I accept the drink as he carefully passes it over. “Planning to disarm me and have your wicked way?”

“Oh, Celine. I don’t need champagne to do that.”

I’m scared he might be right. I’ve never been drawn to anyone the way I am him. Despite his dramatic personality I’m drawn to him. Ilikehim even if he drives me mildly crazy.

A clinking sound rings out when he taps his glass against mine and with a wink he sips the sparkling drink. I take a deep breath when a small trail of liquid dribbles out of his mouth and down his chin.

“Cheers,” I murmur and down more champagne than I should in one go.